Flag flap has Holly Hill business owner 'Crazy' mad

"Crazy" Eddie Colosimo usually flies military flags to respect those fighting for the country's freedom. But on Thursday he flew them in defiance of a new city law.

CHRIS GRAHAMSTAFF WRITER

HOLLY HILL — "Crazy" Eddie Colosimo usually flies military flags to respect those fighting for the country's freedom. But on Thursday, the founder of Holly Hill's Bikers for First Amendment Rights club and restaurant flew them in defiance of a new city law. "I will not stand down," he said as he smoked a cigarette in his establishment. Colosimo is questioning a law passed in March by Holly Hill commissioners that requires businesses to apply for a permit to display a temporary sign or banner on their property. The law in the city's Land Development Code apparently applies to flags, too, though it is not specified in the language of the temporary sign ordinance. "They're saying that our military flags are flapper signs. That's the disrespect we're getting from the city. We're not advertising hamburgers and cold beer," he said shortly after being cited for seven flags representing all branches of the U.S. military plus former prisoners of war and those missing in action. But one city commissioner said Colosimo's nonprofit organization is being cited under the wrong law. According to an ordinance passed by the City Commission in March, a $25 administrative fee will be required for businesses to receive a temporary sign permit. An additional $1 fee would be applied for each day a banner is up. Colosimo said he found out about the new law when he was asked by the city to remove a "Welcome Bikers" sign. When he asked about the flags, he was told he would have to apply for a permit for each one. Late Thursday afternoon, he received a warning from the city and an application for a temporary sign permit. "I tore them up," he said, adding, "I won't pay (for the permits). I haven't even bothered to figure out how much it would cost." Commissioner Penny Currie said she believes Colosimo's organization is being cited under the wrong law. According to another section of the city's Land Development Code, no more than three flags may be flown on any parcel of land. Colosimo would be in violation under that law as well. Currie said she would bring up the issue at the commission's April 23 meeting. "We need to make some changes to that," she said. "I can only hope that the rest of the commission will be on board with the idea."